Cleaning apparatus for dishes or the like



Nov. 20, 1962 J. w. JACOBS 3,064,661

CLEANING APPARATUS FOR DISHES OR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 17, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 zo g, 62

Fig. I

INVENTOR. James W Jacobs His Af/omey Nov. 20, 1962 J, w. JACOBS CLEANING APPARATUS FOR DISHES OR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 17, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. James W. Jacobs His Aflomey United States Patent 3,064,661 CLEANING APPARATUS FOR DISHES OR THE LIKE James W. Jacobs, Dayton, Ohio, assignor to General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 17, 1958, Ser. No. 774,384 4 Claims. (Cl. 134-58) This invention relates to a domestic appliance and more particularly to an improved dishwashing apparatus.

A major eifort in the dishwashing art is directed to improving the cleaning results. It is well known that utensils and dishes with varying degrees of soil are required to be washed. In addition, pots and pans with burned-on grease are also frequently placed in the washing apparatus to be cleaned. Past efforts have been devoted to a single washing cycle for all objects to be washed. With the differing degrees of soil, this has been found inadequate. In the case of pots and pans, it would be more desirable to provide a more severe washing or scrubbing action than that necessary where glassware is to be washed. This invention proposes to provide an operational cycle for a dishwasher which may be altered in accordance with the type of dishes or objects to be washed. Another obstacle to the obtaining of clean dishware is the continuous recirculation of the soil particles removed from the dishes during the washing process. It would be advantageous to the cleaning result if such circulating particles were filtered out of the washing fluid as the washing cycle proceeded and it is to this end that one aspect of this invention is directed.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a cleaning apparatus with a dual cycle, preselectable in accordance with the soil condition of the articles to be cleaned.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a dual cycle for a dishwasher wherein the means for circulating water during the wash cycle is operable at a plurality of speeds.

A further object of this invention is to provide a dishwasher having a rotary spray tube and a pump to supply said spray tube with means for operating the pump at more than one speed.

An improved spray distribution is also an object of this invention wherefor a dishwashing chamber is provided with embossments or bafiles on the sides thereof to alter the washing fluid spray patterns.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a prefcred form of the present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side sectional view of a dishwasher suitable for use with this invention;

FIGURE 2. is a schematic Wiring diagram adapted to operate the dishwashing machine of FIGURE 1 in accordance with the concepts of this invention;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a dishwasher with its access door opened to disclose the door mounted silverware retainer and bypass strainer;

FIGURE 4 is an exploded perspective view of a dishwasher door having a removable silverware tray;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view of a self-cleaning strainer adapted for use with this invention;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the dishwashing chamber showing the spray pattern altering means; and

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view of the silverware retaining recess taken along line 88 of FIGURE 3.

3,964,661 Patented Nov. 20, 1952 In accordance with this invention and with reference in particular to FIGURE 3, a dishwasher 16 of the general type taught in Abresch et al. 2,808,063 is formed with an inner box-like dishwasher chamber 12 having a bottom 14 in which a depressed sump portion 16 is arranged to collect water being sprayed within the chamber 12 by a rotating spray tube 18. At one side of the chamber 12 an opening 26) is formed and adapted to be closed by a door 22 hingedly mounted in any conventional fashion at 24. The door 22 is arranged for pivotal movement between a horizontally open position as seen in FIGURE 3, and a vertically closed position as seen in FIGURE 1. This movement may be facilitated by a handle 26 attached along one portion of the door 22.

With reference to FIGURE 1, the dishwasher 10 is shown with a top panel portion 28 overlying the dishwashing chamber 12 and a base section or compartment 30 in which the various operating components of the dishwasher 10 are installed in hidden relationship to the room in which the dishwasher is installed. The base compartment 36 has an upstanding kickplate 32 recessed from a frontwardly located panel 34 of the base compartment 30. The offset between panels 32 and 34 provides a toe-space for anyone standing close to the dishwasher 10. A structural support channel 36 lies at the bottom of the dishwasher and carries support plates 38 in which adjustable foot members 40 may be screwed for leveling the machine. The dishwashing chamber 12, as aforesaid, is formed with a bottom wall 14 having a sump 16 and a top wall 42 which, with the sidewalls i5 and bottom wall 34, define an opening 20 in the front thereof. The rear of the box-like receptacle 12 includes a back wall 44 to which the spray tube 18 is attached. Specifically, a support bracket 46 is supported in cantilever fashion from the rear wall 44 and extends outwardly where an upstanding portion 48 rotatably carries an outer stud or axle portion 50 of the spray tube 18. Secured to the rear wall 44 is an inlet header 52 for imparting a swirl to the water entering the spray tube 18. Since the spray tube is rotatably mounted in the outer flange 43 of the support bracket 46 and is rotatably mounted to the inlet header 52, the swirl thus imparted will cause the spray tube to rotate in a manner to distribute the water or washing fluid projecting from orifices 56 over any dishes or pans carried in the support racks, shown generally at 58.

Closing the opening 20 is a dishwasher door 22 having an outer panel 69 and an inner panel 62. A space 64 is provided between the inner and outer panels to receive a water-fill system which includes a water gap and suds tray member 66. The member 66 includes a reverse bend portion 68 having an opening '79 through the inner panel e2 of the door 22. Fill member 66 includes also a water-fill chamber 72 having an opening 74 thereto for receiving water during the fill period of the dishwashing cycle. In accordance with the sequence of a conventional dishwasher timer such as 168, a fill valve 76 operated by a solenoid 78 is supported in any conventional manner in the base compartment 30. Water is supplied to the fill valve 76 through a conduit 84} from the water supply, while water exhausts from the valve 76 through an outlet stub 82 of the valve. To carry the water from the valve 76 to the water receiving chamber 72 a flexible conduit 84 may be utilized which fits over the fill Valve stub 82 at one end thereof and projects through the opening 74 of the water fill chamber 72. The outer panel 60 of the door 22 has a port 86 therein for admitting the flexible conduit 84 to the interior 64 of the door. In this manner the door 22 may be opened and closed without affecting the fill system, the flexibility of the water conduit 84 allowing for this movement. With solenoid 78 calling for Water, valve 76 is opened and water proceeds through the conduit 84 to the receiving receptacle or chamber 72. Since the terminus 85 of the conduit 84 overhangs theopening 74 in the receptacle 72, an air gap is provided which meets plumbing code requirements relating to backsiphoning. This fill arrangement is also convenient for servicing in that the components are located in the front of the'dashwasher 10. In prior art systems this filling arrangement has been installed to the rear of the dishwashing chamber 12. Thus, when a prior art dishwasher is installed in an under-counter relationship, servicing of these parts is made extremely diflicult.

With the door in the upright position as seen in FIG- URE 1 it should be apparent that a water trap is contained in the reverse bend portion 68 of the fill device 66 which is effective in preventing suds which may occur within the dishwasher 12 from backing out through the reverse bend portion 68 by way of fill opening 70. With the door 22 in a horizontal position, the water trap will still be maintained due to the raised portion or inverted U 88 inthe fill device 66.

In accordance with the concepts of this invention, the Water circulating system includes a pump 90 having an inlet 92 at the bottom of sump 16. A motor 94 is utilized to drive the pump 90 during a dishwashing cycle to direct water or washing fluid from the sump 16 to the spray tube 18 by way of a conduit 96. Between the pump 90 and the inlet header 52 to the spray tube 18 is located a self-cleaning drain-and-strain T valve 98 having a pump inlet portion 100, a spray tube outlet portion 102 and a drain outlet portion 104. With reference to FIGURE 6, the strain-and-drain member 98 includes a flap valve 106 having a drain valve portion 108 and a spray tube valve portion 110. Intermediate the legs 108, 110 and in fixed relationship thereto is a strainer screen 112. With the valve 106 in the position of FIGURE 6 the drain portion 104 of the member 98 is closed off and the strainer 112 is placed over the inlet to the spray tube outlet 102. In this fashion water proceeding from the pump 90 through the fitting inlet 100 must pass through the strainer 112 on its way to the conduit 96 and spray tube 18. With the valve 106 in the phantomlined position, the pump outlet will be prevented from flowing to the spray tube 18 and the flow will be to the drain conduit 114 through the fitting outlet 104. It'will be noted in this relationship that the screen 112 is in a position to be self-cleaning. The soil collecting on the surface of the screen 112 when in the solid-line position of FIGURE 6 will be cleansed from the screen due to r the back-flow of the washing fluid over the screen on its way to drain.

An alternative method to the straining arrangement of FIGURE 6 is best seen in FIGURE 1 and includes'a bypass conduit 116 leading from the outlet of the pump 90 to a strainer 118 snap fastened to the bottom wall 14 of the dishwashing chamber 12. During circulation of washing fluid to the spray tube 18 a portion thereof will always be directed through the conduit 116 and the strainer 118. Thus, during the course of an extended washing cycle, all of the washing fluid will pass at one time or another to the strainer 118 where the'fine soil particles will be removed. At any time convenient for the operator the strainer 118 may be removed from the dishwasher and flushed of its debris.

For the detailed construction of the strainer 118 and its installation to the bottom wall 14 of the dishwashing chamber 12, reference may be had to FIGURE 5. For mounting the strainer 118 an aperture 120 is provided in the bottom wall 14. An orifice fitting 122 is provided wih a shoulder 124 for abutting against the wall 14. A depending portion 126 extends through the aperture 120 and carries a threaded portion 128 for receiving a nut 130. Any suitable gasket such' as 132 may be interposed between the wall 14 and the nut 130 to insure a 4 Water-tight connection between the orifice fitting 122 and the bottom wall 14 of the dishwashing chamber. Tabs 133 extend upwardly from the shoulder 124 of the orifice and effect a spring mounting arrangement for the strainer 118. Particularly, the strainer 118 is formed with a cylindrical base 134 which may be snapfastened over the tabs 133 to retain the strainer in correct relationship, to the orifice 122. The orifice fitting 122 is drilled at 136 in accordance with the amount of water it is desired to be bypassed through the strainer 1181 An orifice which will bypass approximately 1-0 percent of the pumps output has been found satisfactory. During the period when water is being circulated from the pump to the spray tube 18, a portion of the water will be returned to the dishwashing chamber 12 by means of the conduit 116, the orifice 136 in fitting 122 regulating the amount of water that is so bypassed. Assoil is picked up from the surfaces of the dishes arranged in the baskets 58, this soil will be carried in the solid state in the Washing solution as this solution is recirculated. That portion of the water which is passed through the strainer 118 will de posit the soil particles carried thereby on the inner surface of the strainer or screen 118. Subsequent to the dishwashing cycle, the strainer 118 may be removed from the spring tabs 132 and carried to the kitchen sink where it may be cleaned by running faucet Water over the screen. It should be understood that the strainer shown in FIGURE 5 represents an alternative arrangement to that shown in FIGURE 6. The strain-and-drain fitting 98 was shown in the pump supply conduit 96 in FIGURE 1 for purposes of clarity, but it should be recognized that the fitting 98 may be merely a drain valve when ever the bypass strainer 118 of the alternative method is being used. The FIGURE 5 arrangement, wherein a portion of the recirculating and washing fluid is bypassed, has the advantage that any accumulation of food soil on the screen will not reduce the amount of washing fluid being recirculated to the spray tube. During the wash and rinse cycles, water is pumped upward to the spray tube 18 and a portion of the water is also pumped upward through the filter or strainer 118. Since the wash and rinse cycles are fairly long, all of the water eventually is pumped through the filter unit 118 and the insoluble food particles are trapped thereby. If the filter becomes plugged, however, the functioning of the dishwasher is not altered and the pump 90 will continue to pump a full head of washing fluid to the spray tube 18.

Past dishwasher design has provided access Within the support baskets 58 for holding silverware and cutlery in position to be spray-cleansed by the rotating spray tube 18. However, this frequently results in the silverware being bunched up in a manner to preclude the complete coverage of the silverware by the cleansing spray. Ac-

cordingly, one of the objects of this invention is to utilize space which would otherwise be wasted within the interior of the-door 22 (FIGURE 3). To effect this, the

inner door panel 62 is depressed to form a cavity 140;

The cavity 140 may be partitioned into compartments by dividers 142 and a strap 144 placed thereacross and fastened at the ends thereof to the inner'panel 62 of the door. Silverware may then be placed in any of the compartments, the strap 144 serving to retain these items in position to receive a complete cleansing bath from the spray tube 18. A modification of this idea is illustrated in FIGURE 4 wherein the cavity 140 is adapted to receive a removable silverware basket or tray 146 having a handle 148 which can be utilized in conveniently removing the basket to the dining area where the silverware and cutlery may be conveniently placed therein. In this arrangement any suitable means such as a tab or bracket 150 can be arranged to cooperate with the basket 146 in retaining the member within the cavity 140.

Past design eiforts with dishwashers have also met with the disadvantage of inadequate spray patterns within the dishwashing chamber 12. Thus, many surfaces of the dishes and items being washed are shielded from impingement by the jets of Water issuing from the spray tube 18. Reference may now be had to FIGURE 7 wherein the improved cleansing techniques of this invention are embodied in deflecting means for the spray patterns Within the dishwashing chamber 12. The support basket 58 is shown slidably supported in a slide bracket 152 secured to the sidewall of the washing chamber. With dishes and glassware mounted as shown in phantom in FIGURE 7, the spray pattern from the rotating spray tube 18 is indicated by the arrows and shows the pattern effected by the spray as the tube rotates. The top wall 42 in this instance is embossed or raised to provide a baffie or vane 154 which deflects the spray indicated at 156 across the bottom of a tumbler 158 thereby effecting an added cleansing efiect to glassware of this type. Similarly, the sidewall 15 of the washing chamber 12 is embossed outwardly at 160. A movable bafile 162 may be pivotally mounted therein and arranged to deflect the water indicated at 164 across the bottoms of dishes placed within the side portion of the rack 58. The bafiie 162 may be positioned manually by the operator before initiating the wash cycle and in accordance with the type of dishware being washed. It is also within the purview of this invention to intermittently energize a solenoid attached to the bafile 162.

to change the spray pattern at particular points during the wash cycle.

The structure set forth hereinbefore has been designed to effect an improved washing action by removing soil particles from the water being circulated during the wash cycle. Furthermore, thedesign of the dishwashing chamber and inner portion of thedoor has been modified to improve the coverage. imparted by the spray to the dishes and silverwarebeing washed. In operation, these improvements are furtherenhanced by a water circulating system whichrnay be operated at more than one speed. Thus, where heavily soiled dishes are to be washed, the recirculating washing fluid is pumped at a high rate of speed and the jets of water impinging upon the surfaces of the dishes being washed are made more forceful and thus dislodge the dirt and soil which is severely encrusted on the dishes or pots and pans being washed. However, in situations where glassware or lightly soiled objects are to be washed and soil is not a primary problem, the water circulating is pumped at a lower rate of speed. In accordance with this concept, the pump 90 is adapted to be powered by a two-speed motor 94 of conventional design which may be energized for either high or low speed in accordance with the soil condition of the dishes to be washed. A soil or speed selector switch 166 having a Heavy Soil position and a Light Soil" position is carried on the outer panel 60 of the door 22 whereby the operator may select the motor and pump speed desired, the amount of water best suited for the pump speed selected and the amount of detergent most desirable for the soil condition of the dishes being washed. Installed on the lower panel 34 is a conventional timer mechanism 168 which programs the sequence of wash, rinse and dry within the dishwashing chamber 12 in accordance with well-established dishwashing principles.

Reference may now be had to FIGURE 2 wherein the improved dishwashing cycle of this invention is embodied and controlled by the dishwashing cycle schematic diagram illustrated. Like components of the schematic diagram of FIGURE 2 carry identical numerals to those used on the various parts described hereinbefore. The circuit includes a solenoid 111 for actuating either a drain valve or the strain-and-drain valve 98, a heater 170 adapted to be energized during the drying cycle, a fill valve solenoid 78 and a detergent dispenser solenoid 172 for actuating a dispenser 167. The dispenser 167 is provided with a reservoir for detergent and a pump piston actuated by a hot wire which is intermittently energized by the opening and closing of the timer switch blades 197 or 198, depending on which soil condition is selected. For additional details on the dispenser 167 reference may be had to copending application S.N. 620,633, now Patent No. 2,974,832, filed November 6, 1956. The circuit includes also the two-speed pump motor 94 and a timer motor 174 for actuating the switches 196 to 292 in timer 168. For lighting the interior of the dishwashing machine during loading operations, a pilot lamp 176 may be added.

Since the concepts of this invention include means for varying the speed at which the washing fluid or water is circulated, it is also desirable to provide means by which the amount of detergent dispensed and the amount of water placed within the washing chamber 12, is varied. This is in line with the idea that the increased soil on items to be washed requires, in addition to more forceful spray jets, the addition of extra detergent to loosen the soil. At the same time, the increased pumping rate requires more water in sump 16 and a different quantity of water is required for the heavy soil cycle. To accomplish this purpose, the soil or speed selectorswitch 166 is provided, having a first switch blade 178 operating between a high speed motor contact 180 and a low speed motor contact 182; a detergent selector switch blade 184 operating between a heavy soil detergent supply contact 186 and a light soil detergent supply contact 188; and a water-fill switch blade 190 operating between a high water-fill contact 192 and a low water-fill contact 194. The circuit may also include a main ON/OFF switch 196 and a safety switch 198 which closes whenever the door 22 is in a closed position.

To initiate a dishwashing cycle in accordance with the concepts here advanced, dishes are loaded on the racks 58 and placed within the dishwashing chamber 12. The closing of door 22 will close switch 198 and the manual positioning of the timer 168 to a start position will close switch 196 to energize the timer motor 174 and start the sequential advance of the timer cams. With the soil selector switch 166 set for Heavy Soil operation, speed selector blade 178 will be on high speed contact 181), detergent selector switch 184 on heavy soil detergent supply contact 186 and water-fill selector blade 190 on high fill contact 192. As the timer 168 advances timer switch 199 will close a circuit energizing the fill valve solenoid 78 for a period of time sufiicient to introduce the desired amount of water through the conduit 84 and the suds trap and fill device 66 to the dishwashing chamber 12. If Light Soil has been selected, timer switch 201 would have energized the solenoid 78 through low Water fill contact 194. At the conclusion of the till period, timer switch 196 will close to energize the motor 94 in accordance with the desired speedin this case, high speed. During the fill period the detergent dispensing solenoid 172 is energized by the timer switch 198 for a period required to admit the preset amount of detergent from a conventional dispenser 167 to the dishwashing chamber 12. Thus, the motor 94 will operate the pump 96 at a high rate of speed and water will be directed through the conduit 96 to the spray tube 18, which will rotate and emit more forceful jets of water over the dishes carried in the racks 58. After a predetermined period, timer switch 208 will close and the drain solenoid 111 will energize the drain valve 106 to place valve portion 110 in blocking engagement with valve outlet 162 in the conduit 96. Thus, pump 90 will continue to operate, directing the soiled water within the sump 16 to drain. After this, solenoid 111 will be deenergized and the valve 106 will return valve portion 108 into blocking engagement with the drain opening 104. Subsequently, the fill valve 78 will be again energized to admit a predetermined quantity of water for the rinse portion of the dishwashing cycle. The pump 90 will continue to operate at high speed during the rinse portion of the cycle and 7 the dishes will be thoroughly rinsed. Of course, there may be more than one rinse, if desired. However, this operation would merely be a repeat of that explained immediately hereinabove. 7

At the conclusion of the rinse cycle the timer switches 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, and 201 will be open and timer switch 202 closed to energize the heater 170. This heater will remain energized for a predetermined period while the dishes are drying. During the washing and rinsing operations, of course, the soil filtering arrangement described hereinbefore will be effective to remove the soil particles being circulated. Furthermore, the spray pattern may be altered during the washing cycle by altering the position of deflectors 162.

The dishwasher operation was explained in conjunction with a selection of Heavy Soil on switch 166. It should be apparent that Light Soil selection will produce the same sequence of functions. The Light Soil cycle will distinguish in that timer switch 197 will cooperate with light soil detergent supply contact 188; timer switch 201 with light soil short fill contact 194 and the motor 94 will run at low speed in causing pump 90 to produce a less forceful spray.

It should now be seen that a dual cycle dishwasher has been provided to effect a high speed and a low speed pumping action in accordance with the soiled condition of the dishes or pans being washed. Further, numerous modifications have been made to the circulating system to filter the washing fluid being circulated and to alter the spray pattern thereof. In further addition to the improved circulating systemof this washing machine, modifications have been made to improve the dishwashing chamber for better supporting silverware and cutlery in the path of the washing fluid.

While the form of embodiment of the invention as H herein disclosed constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, as may come within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In combination, a cleaning apparatus for dishes or the like having a washing chamber, a spray tube in said chamber, means including a pump having a two-speed motor for circulating a first or second quantity of washing fluid to said spray tube to produce a first or second force spray operation on one portion of said dishes or the like, means in the path of the spray from said spray tube for deflecting said spray onto another portion of the dishes or the like, means for admitting first and second amounts of fluid to said chamber, means for dispensing first and second quantities of cleaning agent to said chamber, and preselectable means for selectively energizing said motor to circulate either said first or second quantity of washing fluid, and means responsive to the preselection of said first or second circulating quantity for energizing said dis- 8 pensing means for said first orsecond'quantity of cleaning agent respectively and for ener iz ng said fluid admitting means for said first or second amounts of fluid respectively. ,7

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said spray de fiecting means is comprised of a bathe in said chamber.

3. The combination of claim l'wherein said spray deflecting means is comprised of an adjustable baffle in said chamber.

4. In combination, a cleaning apparatus for dishes or the like having a washing chamber, means for spraying in said chamber, said spraying means having a two-speed motor for circulating a first or second quantity of washing fluid to produce a first or second force spray operation on one portion of said dishes or the like, means in the path of the spray from said spraying means for deflecting said spray onto another portion of the dishes or the like, means for admitting first and second amounts of fluid to said chamber, means for dispensing first and second quantities of cleaning agent to said chamber, and preselectable means for selectively energizing said motor to circulate either said first or second quantity of washing fluid, and means responsive to the preselection of the first or second circulating quantity for energizing said dispensing means for said first or second quantity of cleaning agent respectively and for energizing said fluid admitting means for said first or said second amounts of fluid respectively.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 494,191 De LaPorte Mar. 28, 1893 552,588 Rowley Jan. 7, 1896 1,104,139 Rodda July 21, 1914 1,105,045 Shipherd July 28, 1914 1,583,710 Welch May 4, 1926 1,952,568 Schapp et a1 Mar. 27, 1934 1,987,847 Flood Jan. 15, 1935 2,132,983 Call Oct. 11, 1938 2,154,559 Bilde' Apr. 18, 1939 2,205,113 Adams June 18, 1940 2,298,321 Wells Oct. 13, 1942 2,447,848 Edwards Aug. 24, 1948 2,608,252 Candor Aug. 26, 1952 7' 2,620,811 Walker Dec. 9, 1952 2,649,765 Anderson Aug. 25, 1953 2,704,084 James et al Mar. 15, 1955 2,734,520 Abresch et al Feb. 14, 1956 2,771,894 Low Nov. 27, 1956 2,824,648 Bear Feb. 25, 1958 2,825,665 Stoddard Mar. 4, 1958 2,841,003 Conlee -1 July 1, 1958 2,973,769 Jacobs et a1 Mar. 7, 1961 

